Gang holds Kiserian family hostage, robs them of Sh200,000, electronics

Detectives are hunting for a gang that raided the home of a businessman and robbed his family of cash and other valuables in a dramatic incident in Kiserian, Kajiado County.

Locals fear this could be an indication of the return of gangs who used to terrorise them that sparked a protest and heavy police reaction in 2006.

On Tuesday, the gang went to the home in Kahuho village in the area and held a family hostage for hours as they robbed them.

Witnesses said one of the six men wore military fatigue and three of them were armed with AK47 rifles.

The gang held eight family members hostage before robbing them of three laptops, transferred Sh12,000 from stolen mobile phones, Sh200,000 in cash and assorted electronic goods.

And to scare the family, one of the suspects fired one round of ammunition which hit and cracked the floor tiles. They picked up the spent cartridge and left with it, police and the family said.

Police said no one was injured during the drama and that the gang escaped the scene after two hours of torture.

A team of detectives is investigating the incident. The area was in 2006 badly affected by suspected thugs who terrorized locals forcing some of them to move out of the same area for their safety.

On Wednesday, police said they were making good progress in pursuing the gang and assured the family of justice.

Elsewhere in Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County, a man who had been carjacked was rescued by police after a dramatic chase.

The attackers robbed the victim of Sh77,000 before escaping. This was after they abandoned him in his car at Ngong Cherry Hill area near the SGR area.

Police said they are looking for the gang.